ADHD Treatment in Adults
ADHD can create problems at work, at school and in relationships. It's important to get an extensive medical examination and rule out any conditions that may resemble ADHD symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy which can help alleviate symptoms. It focuses on changing negative thoughts to more positive ones.
Medication
The most frequently used medications are treatment for ADHD in adults. They are typically prescribed in the form of stimulants which have been proven to be effective in decreasing symptoms and enhancing functioning. NIMH suggests talking to your health care provider to see if you should consider taking medication. Talk to your doctor when you decide to take medication regarding the impact it could have on your life.
People who have ADHD typically have comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. These comorbidities can make it difficult to respond to therapy. Adult ADHD is best treated using a the combination of psychosocial therapy and medications (Rostain and others. 2006).
Psychoeducation helps adults with ADHD to understand the condition and its impact on their lives. It also teaches strategies for dealing with any issues that might arise. This helps boost confidence in themselves, which could have been negatively impacted by persistent negative feedback from family and friends. Psychoeducation can be accomplished by combining group and individual cognitive therapy.
It is important to have an accurate medical history as some medical conditions can have similar symptoms to ADHD. These include developmental disorders, seizure disorders (petit mal), sleep apnea, and some drug abuses. A thorough analysis of the child's behavior and schooling experiences can be helpful.
Generally, nonstimulant medication should be tried first in those with comorbid psychiatric disorders. Once improvement is seen in the comorbidity disorder, the possibility of exploring stimulant medications (Wilens 2004b). If effects of untreated adhd in adults is in active substance abuse treatment the possibility of a trial with stimulants should be only considered if the person is in stable substance abuse remission.
Stimulants have a large inter-individual variability in terms of responses to certain doses. It is important to carefully titrate the dose and accurately note the patient's reaction as well as adverse reactions. It is essential to test different formulations of the medication. For instance, dextroamphetamine immediately-release has a shorter half-life, and requires multiple doses every two or three times per day, while amphetamine salts that are extended-release have a longer duration of action.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The majority of people with ADHD receive psychosocial treatment, which includes a combination of medication and cognitive behavior therapy. These therapies can help adults with ADHD how to improve their organization skills manage their time, prioritize their work and manage the risky and impulsive behavior. Many adults also benefit from receiving support from an individual or ADHD coach who can help them master a range of different techniques to improve their everyday functioning.
Both children and adults can be affected by a variety of psychiatric disorders that mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, language and learning issues and a few psychotic disorders. It is essential to rule out these conditions prior to starting treatment for ADHD.
Around 75% of people with ADHD have comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. Psychosocial treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful to treat comorbid illnesses particularly when they are combined with effective medications. These treatments can assist adults suffering from ADHD manage their impulsive behavior and focus on the problem areas of their lives.
Adult ADHD is best treated with a combination of pharmacotherapy, psychosocial therapy, and medication. A study conducted by Rostain et al (2006) discovered that CBT when combined with mixed salts of amphetamine helped improve both the primary symptoms of ADHD and the symptoms of comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to remember that stimulants can cause a small increase of blood pressure and pulse in certain patients.
Psychotherapy can also assist families and couples with ADHD develop the ability to communicate and understand each other. This can help reduce tension and conflict at home, especially between spouses. CBT can help people with ADHD understand their condition, and learn how to identify and deal with negative slanted beliefs and thoughts.
Some individuals with ADHD might also opt to take advantage of complementary health methods, such as natural products and diet. These strategies aren't scientifically proven to improve ADHD symptoms or impairments however they can be helpful in managing the disorder. If you are considering these alternatives talk about them with your doctor or your therapist prior to beginning any new treatments.
Counseling
It's never too late for adults with ADHD to get treatment. Effective treatment can make your life easier and help you achieve success at work, school, and relationships. It's important to include medication in your ADHD treatment plan. However, it's also beneficial to seek out therapy. It can help you manage stress and treat other comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression.
Counseling is a valuable instrument for adults with ADHD and their families. It can aid them in understanding how ADHD affects them and help them learn how to recognize trouble spots that can lead to problems in their lives. It can also teach them how to cope with the difficulties that come with having ADHD, such as being unorganized or forgetful. Counseling can also be beneficial for spouses of people with ADHD, as they often feel they are overburdened by their partner's lack of attention and impulsiveness.
Adults with ADHD might have comorbid conditions such as major depression and addiction disorders. These comorbid conditions can interfere with the efficacy of ADHD medications. They must be treated prior to beginning medication. It is often difficult to recognize and treat these disorders since they share many symptoms with ADHD.
The most common treatment for ADHD is stimulant medication. It can help improve attention and impulse controls but it is not without its limitations. Some adults experience unpleasant adverse effects, such as dry mouth, sedation, and the feeling of drowsiness. In these cases switching to an alternative stimulant or a nonstimulant medication may be necessary. Other adverse effects of stimulants are mood lability, visual hallucinations, and heart palpitations. Certain people aren't able to take stimulants because of medical conditions like asthma or severe cardiovascular disease, and should be referred for an evaluation.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from nonstimulants. Clonidine is an a2-adrenergic receptor agonist that has been proven to decrease the level of impulsivity and hyperactivity among adults suffering from ADHD. This medication is sometimes used in conjunction with stimulants and can be particularly effective in those with comorbid Tourette's disorder and other tics (Robertson 2006; Wilens 2006).
It is important to disclose any other health conditions that you are suffering from to your doctor when seeking treatment for ADHD. Certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes may interact with certain medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD.
Family therapy
Adults with ADHD can benefit from family therapy. This type of therapy could aid in improving their lives at home and at work and improve communication between them and their families. It can also help manage the symptoms of comorbid disorders like depression and anxiety. Family therapy can involve the use of cognitive therapy, which is designed to alter the way a person thinks and behaves. It can also involve marriage counseling and family therapy in order to improve communication. In certain situations, the therapist may also recommend medication.
When it comes to treating adult ADHD the best method is to combine psychotherapy and medication. Talk therapy can aid in social interaction, organizational skills and problem-solving. Medication can treat symptoms such as inattention and an impulsive nature. In addition, medications can be used to treat coexisting comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
The first step to treating adult ADHD is identifying the symptoms. This can be done by completing an symptom checklist or a behavioral assessment. A doctor can also look into the past of a patient, including their childhood and school experiences.
The most commonly used medication to treat ADHD in adults is stimulants. They are highly effective but can cause side effects that require monitoring. Nonstimulant medications are available and are as effective as stimulants. They do not have any of the same adverse effects.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies are particularly effective for patients with co-occurring ADHD, depression, and other mental health issues. It can be helpful for patients suffering from comorbid disorders, such as addiction and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people modify their behavior and thoughts, and improve their relationships.
Families should understand the way ADHD affects their loved one. This can reduce the conflict between spouses and blame shifting. It can help them see the negative impact the disorder can have on their relationship. It can also help them discover more ways to help their loved one.
A therapist will go over with the family members the goals and objectives they've set. The therapist will also encourage the family to continue the new patterns that they have cultivated over the course of therapy.